Innholdsfortegnelse for June-July 2025 i Tie the Knot Scotland

Heel protectors and midge-repellent at the ready… we’re taking this issue outdoors with a focus on alfresco weddings and stunning elopements. Our featured couples all seized the chance to host a portion of their big days outside, from a pastel-hued ceremony on a riverbank that was overlooked by Highland cows (p.202), to a pair who trekked into the Cairngorms for some spectacular post-ceremony portraits (p.220). The infamously changeable Scottish weather needn’t curtail your plans either. We check out an Ayrshire castle whose glasshouses ‘cheat’ that outdoors feeling while keeping heads dry (p.86), discover what live entertainment works best outside (p.192), and meet a celebrant who conducts 80% of her ceremonies under Highland skies (p.163). It turns out rain can even have its benefits when it comes to creating unforgettable wedding…

I’m not really a dress person, so I surprised myself by falling for one I’d saved to my vision board long before I got engaged. It had a beautiful full skirt and a leg slit I loved – a must for my wedding dress. I tried it on at Eleganza Sposa and asked if the off-the-shoulder sleeves could be removed before I bought it and the boutique ordered it in for me – they felt a bit fiddly and I worried they might restrict me on the day. But several months later, when I came back to collect the sleeveless gown, I started having second thoughts. The top half felt bare and incomplete without the sleeves, and I felt that, overall, the dress just didn’t suit me anymore. No matter…

Are you looking for a way to symbolise your love and have a positive impact on the planet at the same time? Well, a piece of sustainable and ethical jewellery could be the perfect fit. But what is ethical jewellery and why is it worth seeking out rings that are made from materials that are either sustainable, recycled or conflict-free? We tracked down some experts in the field to tell us about why this matters and how couples can make more eco-conscious decisions. What is sustainable jewellery? “For us, sustainable jewellery is made in a way that is environmentally friendly, ethically responsible and socially conscious throughout its entire life cycle,” explains Gareth Mundie of Glasgow-based jeweller Ian Mundie & Son. According to Gareth, sustainable jewellery includes: • Sourcing materials with…

The Exchange, Glasgow Looking for… “Couples seeking indulgence and unmatched decadence,” says Pauline Muir, sales, events and weddings manager. “The venue’s chic, neutral backdrop and refined luxury set the stage for an unforgettable, prestigious wedding experience.” Tell us everything we should know about The Exchange We’re in the historic Royal Exchange Square, right in the heart of Glasgow city centre, and can host up to 140 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and 200 for the reception. Packages start from £12,000 for full-day weddings. What are the wedding spaces like? The Parlour, on the top floor, has a serene atmosphere and is a peaceful oasis where the bridal party can get ready in complete privacy. Exchanging vows and dining takes place in the golden natural light of the Gallery…

The moment Caitlin and Andrew viewed Harvest Moon Weddings on the East Lothian coast, they knew it was a perfect fit for them. “We wanted a DIY-style wedding with a venue we could completely take over for a full weekend of outdoor celebrations, and Harvest Moon ticked all the boxes,” recalls the bride. “The diversity of the site was a real selling point; it’s rare to find somewhere that has it all – woods, beach, on-site accommodation. Being able to have an outdoor wedding in spring with no midges was a real bonus!” Just a month after they got engaged in Barcelona in 2022, the couple secured their special day and set about drawing up a 112-strong list of friends and family to join them. Most guests were based in…

They say home is where the heart is – and that is certainly the case for Georgina and Gerard, who returned to the scene of their first date to say ‘I do’. “We spent so much of the early part of our relationship in the west end of Glasgow that it felt very fitting to get married back where it all started,” laughs the bride. The couple were set on having a romantic winter wedding, booking Òran Mór for the end of December and inviting 97 guests (plus a further 34 in the evening) to celebrate with them. “We organised our venue two years in advance and coordinated it around Georgina’s university holidays,” Gerard explains. “We both love winter and magical twinkly lights, so between Christmas and New Year seemed…

When the daily grind starts to feel a little too much, most of us dream of dropping everything and escaping somewhere far, far away. While that might not be possible every Monday morning, your wedding could actually be the perfect excuse to turn fantasy into reality. By choosing a destination where you can tie the knot and spend a fabulous honeymoon, you’ll extend the celebrations and sidestep any post-wedding travel stress. Whether your dream day involves a beachfront chapel on a Caribbean island or a grand villa in a sophisticated European resort, we’ve found two breathtaking places for your consideration. You can thank us later, as you and your beloved step into forever. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como Timeless romance meets Italian grandeur at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni…

For many, the idea of a big wedding with lots of loved ones is something they’ve often dreamt about – but this couldn’t be further from the truth for bride Megan. “I could never see myself standing in front of an audience and getting married in a traditional setting,” she says. “In any case, at the time we were talking about getting married, my parents had recently divorced, and the thought of having the family drama that often comes with a big wedding did not appeal to either of us. “I was joking with my co-workers in November 2023 about getting married, as a team member had recently eloped to Las Vegas. Someone then suggested Gretna Green to me, so I sent Johnny a screenshot of the leap-year package deal…

There’s a special kind of romance to saying ‘I do’ in the great outdoors, and accompanying it with the right music can elevate the whole experience from beautiful to breathtaking. But planning an outdoor performance isn’t always straightforward, so we asked three seasoned wedding musicians – a high-energy band, a versatile soloist and a roaming bagpiper – to share their expertise, top tips and most memorable moments playing under open skies. Prep and presentation Getting the setup right is crucial, and that goes for intimate elopements as well as for full-scale celebrations. “Every booking starts with a detailed consultation with the couple where they can tell me their story – everything from how they met to their vision for the day,” says Finlay Balfour, a singer and guitarist who you…

‘No hearts left behind’ was the motto of this inclusive, joyful and alternative wedding that featured barefoot dancing, a cabaret and two celebrants… After a “magical” engagement weekend on the banks of Loch Lomond, London-based couple Scott and Anda found themselves drawn back to misty glens and mountains to marry. “Our first big decision was where to have the wedding,” recalls Anda. “What sealed the deal was the possibility of Scott’s elderly gran being able to make it if we held it in Scotland – and she did, fulfilling her wish to see all her grandchildren married before she died.” The couple, who had met at university nine years before they tied the knot, came across Carrick Castle Estate via an “extremely thorough online search”. The venue, on the shores of…

BLUE What better way to mark your wedding than with an adorable paper or jewellery keepsake to cherish forever? Scottish boutique gifting studio, PrettieCo creates many beautiful gifts for you to treat yourself to, or present to your bridal party. From a ‘something blue charm’ [above, £12] – a delicate accessory for the bride to add to her shoe, necklace or bouquet – to a cute bridesmaid proposal photo-strip card [top, £4.50] that reads “will you be my something blue?”, there’s a timeless memento for every part of your plans. “These are two of our most popular personalised products,” says the Ayrshire studio’s owner Savannah O’Neil. BORROWED If your ‘borrowed’ slot is still up for grabs, set your sights on Dekor&Co. Not only does the company help couples plan their…

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW Mark your diaries as Kudos Bridal Dunfermline is booked and busy! First up, the team are hosting another fabulous open evening on Friday 27th June, 6–8pm. Pop in to browse designer gowns, meet the team and get a feel for the boutique with no appointment needed. Also, don’t miss the summer sample sale on 19th and 20th July, where brides can scoop up stunning dresses (including Maggie Sottero’s Derrick ballgown, right) at a discount. And as if that wasn’t enough, the new 2026 Essense of Australia collection, filled with modern, romantic silhouettes, is starting to arrive in store. SHOOTS AND LADDERS After teasing its Iconica ‘Divina’ collection last issue, Eleganza Sposa is back with a brand-new editorial shoot – and these gowns…

SCAN TO SEARCH MORE BRIDALWEAR BOUTIQUES ON TIE THE KNOT SCOTLAND’S ONLINE DIRECTORY SCAN TO DISCOVER OTHER WEDDING SHOWS AND EVENTS ACROSS SCOTLAND…

With open-air ceremonies on the rise, both at home and abroad, brides are increasingly looking for beauty advice that holds up under sun, sweat and hours in front of the camera. In search of the secrets to glowing skin, weather-proof hairstyles and heat-resistant makeup, we asked three Scottish pros to share their tips for looking and feeling your best on the big day. May your bridal hair and makeup be as long-lasting as the marriage itself! Keeping your cool If sun, sweat and a skin-baring dress are on the cards, prep that begins well in advance of your w-day is nothing short of essential. Wondering where to start? Dr Claire Narrie of Infinity Skin Clinic in Edinburgh swears by ultra-cold treatments to restore radiance and tone to your skin. “Low-temperature…

The grooming Joanne Woods and Robbie Gemmell from Kings Barbershop, the home of modern barbering in Glasgow, were on hand the morning of the shoot to groom the models’ hair and beards. The barber chain, a favourite with many footballers, has three shops across the city (in Clydebank, Knightswood and Great Western Road in the west end), each with a talented crew who are poised to get grooms wedding-ready, whether they need a tidy-up trim, restyle, beard shape-up or an old-fashioned straight-edge razor shave. The location Rosebery Steading, near Gorebridge in Midlothian, offers a stylish and secluded countryside setting for unforgettable weddings of up to 100 (seated). This beautifully restored 18th-century steading blends rustic charm with contemporary luxury, providing versatile spaces for ceremonies, receptions and weekend celebrations. Surrounded by rolling…

After a chance encounter at work, Sara and Morgan’s futures were forever intertwined. “My boss gave me a project and jokingly told me to charm the person who’d sent it into giving us an extension. And the rest, as they say, is history,” laughs Morgan. “We were on a camping trip to Scotland when Sara surprised me by proposing. Ever since then, Scotland has become a really special place for us.” The couple share a love for nature and being outdoors, so when they discovered Cambo Estate, which boasts around 1,200 acres, it felt like the ideal place for them to say ‘I do’. “The first thing that made us say yes to Cambo was its outdoor spaces,” agrees Sara. “There’s a beautiful garden and so many woodland walks, and…

NESTLED IN NATURE At the heart of The Dougarie Estate on the Isle of Arran lies a beautiful walled garden – a peaceful, secluded oasis, surrounded by stone walls, with sweeping views of the hills and the sea. Perfect for larger weddings (it holds between 80 and 200 guests), the space offers a private, romantic setting for a ceremony and drinks reception which this couple [left] made the most of. “With room for dining, dancing and celebrating late into the evening, the walled garden provides all the charm of a countryside wedding. Couples are also welcome to tailor the space to suit their style,” says Malin Stewart, events manager at The Dougarie Boathouse. TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE Gretna Green has always been a place where new chapters in love stories…

Colourful springtime celebrations at luxury Highland castle Will and Pippi, the new Mr and Mrs Stephen, enjoyed a weekend of joy and laughter at Achnagairn Castle on 5th April 2025 With 130 guests joining them from all over the world (Australia, Bahrain, Tanzania, Norway, Shetland and more), it’s easy to see why Pippi and Will made location the deciding factor when picking their wedding venue. “It was really important to us that we picked a place that people could get to reasonably easily from the airport – and Achnagairn is only around a 25-minute drive from Inverness,” says the bride. “We also wanted somewhere close to transport routes, so it was accessible for anyone not driving. “That aside, we loved that Achnagairn was such a gorgeous venue, with enough accommodation…

Eloping used to be defined as ‘the act of leaving home secretly in order to get married’. Young lovers especially did it because they feared their parents wouldn’t permit them to marry. These days, couples aren’t necessarily keeping it a secret (although some are, of course); they’ve decided to ‘run away’ because they’d prefer a stress-free and potentially much cheaper day. Tempted by the idea? We decided it was time to find out how to elope and who can help you make it happen. Why should I elope in Scotland? The main answer to this is that eloping gives couples the freedom to make the day entirely their own. “There is no pressure with an elopement. It’s just about the two of you – and maybe the odd Highland cow passing…

Will and Louise wasted no time in becoming husband and wife. They got engaged last October and by mid-November had everything in place for an unforgettable Scottish elopement. “I’m half-French,” says the bride, “and we soon found out that the legalities of getting married in France can be slightly complicated. So, we decided we would celebrate with our friends and family there in August, having had our legal ceremony here beforehand – we live in England, near the Peak District. But even that came with a few challenges, such as finding a registry office and working out who to invite. “After some research, we realised Scotland would be perfect for what we wanted. We loved the fact that you can have your ceremony pretty much anywhere you like in the country.…

Eloping in Scotland should be seamless, personal and stress-free – and that’s where Sarah from Swoon Elopements comes in. The “detail-obsessed” creative offers bespoke elopement planning that allows couples to create the day they’ve always dreamed of. “Instead of focusing on the traditional big-budget wedding, many couples are instead choosing to invest in unique experiences, whether that’s a dream location, a personal touch to their outfits, or the perfect vendor team to bring their vision to life,” she tells us. “It’s all about crafting an experience that’s non-traditional, but still meaningful to them.” Hi, Sarah! Can you share the story behind Swoon Elopements? I’ve always been inspired by the wedding industry, and I really love celebrations that break the rules and are truly focused on the couple. I wanted to…

Wonderful wind Let’s not beat about the bush: wind can cause havoc at a wedding, blowing off hats and whipping up hems. But it’s unlikely to ruin your photos – in fact, it might even make them better. “Wind really gives dimension and movement to photos. It’s actually my favourite element because it adds a lot of movement and emotion to pictures,” explains Scottish wedding photographer Sam McGregor. “The key is to embrace it – let your veil fly and your hair get tousled, and allow the wind to bring a real, authentic and cinematic feel to your images. “If you lean into whatever the weather brings and trust your photographer to do their job, Scotland’s weather will help tell the unique story of your day.” Picture this: you’ve been…

Katy and Neil’s wedding might have been postponed by a year, but when it finally happened it was a day to remember, filled with joy, colour and laughter Katy and Neil will forever remember 5th November 2019 – their very first date, at the Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch. “I think we both knew that night that we would get married one day,” smiles Katy. Sure enough, love blossomed and, 18 months later, Neil popped the question on a cycling trip along the River Dee in Banchory. Katy is Scottish and so is Neil’s dad, so the couple loved the idea of embracing their roots by getting married in a castle, ideally close to Edinburgh so it would be easy for their 128 guests to get to. “We didn’t want anywhere too…

As the go-to bridal alteration specialists recommended by top bridal boutiques in Glasgow, we have built a reputation for reliability, precision, and excellence. Our reputation speaks for itself. Our spacious, picture-perfect fitting rooms are designed with your comfort in mind. Whether you’re making a simple adjustment or a complete transformation, you’ll feel relaxed and pampered as you try on your gown with your closest family and friends by your side. No gown is too complex for our expert team. Whether it’s intricate lacework, delicate beading, or a major redesign, we take pride in perfecting every detail of your dress, ensuring it matches your dream look to perfection. Why choose us? • Long standing reputation • Attention to detail • Luxury experience • Privacy and comfort • Flawless craftsmanship • Generations…

Some incredible Scottish wedding suppliers and creatives got together recently to do what they do best: prepping a bride and groom for their day in the spotlight, and dressing a venue beautifully. But this wasn’t for a wedding – it was for the inaugural Modern Luxe Club, workshops launched by Lauren Prichard of Social Brides Club to allow photographers, videographers and content creators to grow their portfolios. “This workshop was the first of its kind in Scotland,” says Lauren. “And we were so lucky to be able to set it against the stunning backdrop of historic Chatelherault near Hamilton, a venue that radiates a sense of French elegance and grandeur.” Featuring real-life model couple Alex and Gregor, the shoot started with the ‘bride’ slipping into a stunning Nola Grey robe…

Outdoor weddings make sense in Scotland. We’ve got stunning landscapes that provide the best possible background for an alfresco elopement or ceremony. (Yes, yes, we know about the midges and the frequently bonkers weather, but just think of those mountains and glens…) So what’s best for a groom to wear amid all that scenery? We tracked down some style experts to find out. Where to start Eloping gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to style, so it’s entirely up to you whether you’d prefer to dress fancy or casual. “There is no right or wrong way as long as you feel comfortable and confident,” suggests Graeme Findlay at the Edinburgh Haymarket branch of kiltmaker Eight Yards. “We believe nothing looks better than a kilt, with its limitless…

FRUITFUL SETTING Set in the heart of Dalkeith Country Park, Restoration Yard is a reimagined 18th-century stables and courtyard. But did you know it had its own Orangerie [above]? Originally built in 1834 as a 12-sided glasshouse to grow exotic fruits like oranges (hence the name), this elegant structure can be used as a backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. “Designed by architect William Burn in a refined Elizabethan style and once at risk of being lost, the Orangerie has been lovingly restored and is now a category A-listed building of European significance,” says Amy Redmond at the Edinburgh venue. “With its tall pillars and timeless charm, it offers one of the most unique and romantic backdrops for your ceremony and celebrations.” Put your own stamp on it An intimate city wedding…

Q. Favourite photo spot? The main staircase at our 242 entrance. I love seeing the look of awe that guests have when they first step into the building. Q. Favourite item on the menu? It would have to be our blade of Scottish beef, although it’s very difficult to choose! Q. Favourite ceremony spot? The Princess Alexandra Room is my favourite indoor spot – it’s bright and is the ideal size for an intimate celebration. For an outdoor ceremony, I love the gardens on Blythswood Square. It is the only private green space in the city centre and only few have access to it. Q. Your top wedding prop? Our couple postbox is a whimsical way to collect envelopes. It looks great on the table and will keep your cards safe…

Q. Favourite photo spot? The landscaped walkway with its breathtaking sea view is my favourite spot for wedding photos. Q. Favourite item on the menu? Our hearty homemade steak pie served with all the trimmings is a very popular choice with our couples. It is truly delicious. Q. Favourite ceremony spot? Our newly-refurbished Brisbane Suite is the perfect setting for a beautiful and memorable ‘I do’. It has floor-to-ceiling glass windows with views over Largs Bay and opens out onto a private terrace. Q. Your top wedding prop? Designed specifically for your wedding morning, our Wallace Suite has everything you need to feel pampered – including three dressing tables, a couch, bar area and ensuite. Q. A top tip for couples ahead of their wedding? Take a few moments to soak…

I can hardly believe it… but as I’m writing this, we’re just six weeks away from the big day! All of the major things are ticked off – but now it’s all the little bits that are suddenly very loud and urgent. If one more person asks me if I’m “all organised”, I might hand them a to-do list and walk away slowly, haha! Thankfully, I’ve got a top-tier team. My incredible bridesmaid Rebecca, who owns B.ink Design, has been endlessly patient helping me finalise our stationery. I send ideas, she refines, I change my mind… repeat. My wedding planner is keeping us on track with a checklist that’s basically become my second brain. We’ve just picked up our wedding rings from James Porter & Son, which is so special…

“Scotland is breathtaking, and the idea of an intimate ceremony with just two people and a celebrant seemed like a dream.” So says Courtney, who married Luis in a December ceremony in the Cairngorms. Thoughts of marrying here were sparked by seeing the wedding photos of a friend who’d eloped to the Isle of Skye. Courtney was blown away by the natural beauty that shone through in all the pictures, and realised it would be a dream come true to tie the knot here too. Luis, thankfully, was quickly sold on the idea. “When we talked about getting married, I mentioned eloping to Scotland, and he was 100% on board. We both wanted a winter wedding, so somewhere in the Highlands was ideal for us. And we didn’t bring any…

Paris is always a good idea, especially for Jayne and Jeremy who were lucky enough to get engaged there. The new Mrs Robertson brings us up to speed: “We met in Aberdeen and, after about four months of dating Jeremy moved to Paris for work, while I stayed in Scotland working as a primary teacher. “We spent the 2020 lockdown together in Aberdeen, and after that we couldn’t imagine going back to being long-distance, so I moved to Paris that year. We’ve since settled in Belgium, but on our last week in Paris in 2023, Jeremy asked me to marry him. It was the perfect end to our Parisian adventure,” smiles Jayne. Exactly one year and five months later, the couple returned to Scotland for the très chic wedding of…

Some people grow up dreaming about a fairytale wedding – with a grand castle, a huge white dress (or dapper suit), and an even bigger guest list. For me? It honestly wasn’t something I ever visualised. In fact, the idea of an entire day with all eyes on me filled me with dread, especially the thought of saying my vows in front of people. Eloping, on the other hand, was much more appealing. I found it rather romantic, if truth be told. The prospect of sneaking off with only my soon-to-be-husband and spending the entire day together as we made a promise of a future together excited me. When we got engaged in May 2022 our original idea was to elope to New York, a place we’d previously visited together,…